(San Francisco, CA, Jan. 25, 2016) – The San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC) is offering its heart-felt condolences to the family, friends, and all who knew her, on the passing of Dr. Espanola Jackson. Known as “Mother Jackson” for decades, Dr. Jackson championed the cause for human and civil rights for her beloved Bayview Hunters Point and Visitation Valley communities and for all the many other communities, businesses and organizations along the City’s Third Street corridor. Dr. Jackson exceled in raising awareness for and giving a voice to underserved communities all over San Francisco through her grassroots advocacy.
Theresa Sparks, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission stated, “Espanola Jackson was an authentic human rights icon in San Francisco and will be deeply missed by all of us who worked beside her. Her compassion and commitment for the people of this City was legendary. I will miss her as a champion, a mentor and a friend.”
Sheryl Evans-Davis, Vice Chair of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and prominent District 5 community leader referred to Dr. Jackson as, “A wealth of knowledge, wisdom and history. She held the Commission accountable and challenged us to do the work we were created to do. A woman dedicated to community and people.”
Michael Pappas, San Francisco Human Rights Commissioner and Director of the City’s Interfaith Council noted, “We (the HRC) are incredibly grateful for Dr. Jackson’s contributions in civil and human rights advocacy. She will always be kindly remembered for inspiring the Commissioners at our meetings with her prophetic voice to do more to ensure that the City’s historically disenfranchised were presented with critical opportunities to be fully integrated in and to thrive in the City’s cultural, social and economic landscape.”
Mark Kelleher, Human Rights Commissioner and University Administrator called Dr. Jackson, “An Icon and role model.”
As a community leader and advocate for African Americans living in San Francisco, Dr. Jackson was involved in many of the important issues brought before City leadership and deliberated these issues at City Hall with great passion and resonance. She served on the San Francisco Redevelopment Joint Housing Committee and continued to fight for affordable housing. Espanola Jackson was instrumental in building the Southeast Community Facility, one of the largest San Francisco City College branches. She was committed to the fight for educational and training opportunities for children and adults in District 10.
Espanola was a member of the San Francisco Jewish Committee and the Conference on Religion, Race, and Social Concerns. She conducted outreach work for the senior community and served on the Model Cities Health and Welfare Task Force and helped form the California Association for Health Education Employment and Dignity.
The San Francisco Human Rights Commission bestowed its inaugural “HERO” Legacy Award to Dr. Jackson in 2012 in recognition of her life-time achievement and outstanding contributions to human rights advocacy in the City and County of San Francisco.
Dr. Jackson leaves behind a great legacy for the causes of civil and human rights for all people and will be deeply missed.
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Media Contact:
Contact: San Francisco Human Rights Commission
Phone: 415.252.2500